UK inflation driven down by clothing and secondhand car discounts

February cost of food, non-alcoholic drinks, games, and toys increased at lower rate than in January

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UK inflation dropped in February to 0.4% as the third coronavirus lockdown brought with it a wave of discounting by clothing retailers and secondhand car dealers, according to official figures.

The cost of food, non-alcoholic drinks, games, toys and hobbies also increased in price at a lower rate than in the previous month, pulling down the consumer prices index to a level far below a poll of City economists, who expected inflation to rise marginally from 0.7% in January to 0.8%.

Related: UK inflation slows to 0.4%; third Covid-19 wave fears weigh on markets - business live